Obituary of Kessler John Pipestem

December 16, 1998 - Calgary, Alberta

December 2, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with deep sadness we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Kessler John Pipestem-Black Horse. At the age of 22 years old he was called home by the creator. 

Kessler was born and raised in Calgary, AB, from December 16, 1998, to December 2nd, 2021. From a young age he had found his love for skateboarding, hockey and basketball. Regardless of his trials and tribulations he remained kind, humble, respectful, funny, and humorous throughout his life. He always encouraged his brothers to be strong and good boys.

He had attended Ernest Manning, where he completed grade twelve. Kessler loved his daughter Kazely, and he always spoke about how much he missed her when they were apart and how fast she was growing; she truly was the love of his life. Kessler enjoyed traveling to powwows during the summer and playing the hand drums with friends and family. He also enjoyed going to the Sundance to receive special blessings. Kessler enjoyed his family trips to the states, where he stopped in at Disneyland and Las Vegas with his brothers. 

Kessler is survived by his loving parents Sherry Black Horse (Myron McMaster) and John (John Boy) Pipestem Jr. (Toni Running Rabbit); his brothers, Seth Black Horse, Tristan McMaster, Mason McMaster, Floyd Jr., and Joshua McMaster; one and only sister, Shyanne Pipestem (Chad Kaquitts), sister Lexie Pipestem; his beautiful niece and nephew, Aliyah and Wiyagato; daughter, the precious love of his life, Kazely; uncle Leonard Blackhorse (Rhoda), auntie Delphine Blackhorse; Traditional brothers, Zachary and Christopher Black Horse; special sisters Lois Pipestem, Sadey Black Horse; second moms Tracey and Brooke Black Horse; grandparents, Marisa and Daniel Black Kettle, who raised Kessler since he was a young boy; paternal John Sr. and Delphine Pipestem; special grandparents, Audrey Pipestem, Vera Oka, Paulette McMaster, and Myron Sr. Crow Eagle.  Kessler had numerous relatives from Tsuut‘ina, Siksika, Maskwasis, and Kainai, we apologize if we have missed anyone. 

He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather Kessler Old Woman; paternal great-grandparents Narcisse and Clarabelle Pipestem; maternal great-grandparents, Allred and Dinah Redcrow; aunts Stacey Yellow Wings and Shyla Black Horse; uncles Kelvin, Bradley, Bronco, Jason, Jackson, and Baby Brad Black Horse; and cousin Shannon Redcrow.

Wake Services will be held at the Bullhead Hall (Tsuut'ina Nation, AB) on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at 1:00 p.m.

Second Wake Service will be held at the Gordon Yellowfly Memorial Arbour (Siksika Nation, AB) on Sunday, December 12, 2021, at 3:00 p.m.

Funeral Service will be held at St. John The Divine Anglican Church on Monday, December 13, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. (Siksika, AB). Reception will be held immediately following. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

Family would like to thank the Tsuut’ina Chief and Council and the Siksika Chief and Council.

In living memory of Kessler Pipestem a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.